How to Start a STIHL Chainsaw: Cold Start vs Warm Start
Starting a chainsaw incorrectly is the most common cause of flooded engines and hard starts. Master the cold start and warm start sequence for every STIHL model.
Cold Start Procedure
A cold start means the engine has not run recently and is at ambient temperature. First, engage the chain brake by pushing the front hand guard forward — this prevents accidental chain movement during starting. Set the master control lever to the cold start position, which typically engages the choke and closes the throttle briefly.
Place the saw on flat, stable ground. Put your right foot through the rear handle to stabilize the machine. Grip the front handle firmly with your left hand and pull the starter cord smoothly with your right hand. Do not yank aggressively — a smooth, full-length pull engages the flywheel more effectively than short jerky motions. After the first pop or two, move the master control lever one notch to open the choke partially, then pull again until the engine fires.
Warm Start Procedure
For a warm start, the engine has run recently and does not need the choke. Set the master control lever to the warm start or run position. If the engine was running within the last few minutes, it may start on the first or second pull without any choke assistance at all. The key difference is that you skip the initial choke position entirely.
If the engine is warm but has sat for 15-30 minutes, it may need a touch of choke for the first pull only. Listen for the first fire — if it sputters but does not catch, give it one more pull with the choke still engaged, then immediately switch to warm start position. Never leave the choke on after the engine has warmed up; doing so will flood the engine with excess fuel and make restarting difficult.
Common Starting Mistakes
The most common mistake is over-choking. Pulling the cord 10 times with the choke fully engaged floods the combustion chamber with raw fuel. If you suspect flooding, remove the spark plug, dry it with a clean cloth, and pull the cord several times with the plug removed to clear excess fuel from the cylinder. Reinstall the plug and start with no choke.
Another frequent error is pulling the cord without the chain brake engaged. This is dangerous because the chain can spin freely if the clutch engages unexpectedly. Always engage the brake before starting. Finally, never drop-start a chainsaw — pulling the cord while holding the saw in one hand is an invitation to injury and loss of control.
